AMES — Iowa State wrestling coach Kevin Dresser is here to stay. On Thursday, Dresser signed a contract extension through 2029 to remain as the head coach of the Cyclone wrestling program.

“We are excited that Kevin has agreed to a contract extension,” Athletic Director Jamie Pollard said in a statement. “Kevin and his staff have done a tremendous job revitalizing our wrestling program, and we look forward to continued success under their leadership.”

Dresser is a two-time Big 12 Conference Coach of the Year in 2019 and 2024. He was also named the National Wrestling Coach of the Year in 2019. Under his direction, the program won its first Big 12 title since 2009 and the highest NCAA Championship placement since 2010. 

“On behalf of my staff and our team, I want to thank Jamie [Pollard] and everyone in this department for helping us get to this point,” Dresser said. “This staff is committed to putting a great product on the mat every season.

Under his direction in the 2023-24 season, the Cyclones named four All-Americans Evan Frost, Anthony Echemendia, Casey Swiderski and David Carr. The Cyclones finished with a 13-2 dual record, 6-1 in the Big 12, and 8-2 against ranked opponents. 

Carr won his second national championship last season, becoming only the 17th Cyclone to win multiple national titles and the first since 2010. 

Since his hire in 2017, Dresser has won 10 Big 12 Championships and added 13 All-American honors to the Cyclones’ resume. He enters his eighth season at the helm with a record of 81-28 at Iowa State.

“It is important to Iowa State University and our athletics department that our wrestling program be successful,” Pollard said. “Kevin has more than delivered in helping us achieve that goal. I could not be more pleased with the direction of our wrestling program.”

Dresser will begin the 2024-25 campaign against the No. 20 Stanford Cardinal at 7 p.m. Friday from Hilton Coliseum, the highest-ranked home opener in the last decade.